Mud Dye Workshop

Apart from the joy of playing with mud, there is good evidence to conclude that: breathing in, playing in, and digging in dirt is good for your health! In this hands-on beginners course we will explore the use of local clays, ochres, and earth to create colourful designs on cloth.

Our ancestors have been connecting with the landscape and the colours of their local environment through the practice of dyeing natural fibres with earth pigments for thousands of years. Examples have been found in textiles throughout Asia and Europe (Swiss Lake Dwellers ~ 3000 BC, ancient Egypt, and all over the Mediterranean). The practice continues today in many parts of the world, most famously with the Malian people who create what is known locally as ‘Bògòlanfini’ or mud cloth.

Learn how to endlessly create beautiful designs for your wardrobe and home mindfully, sustainably and ecologically through the art and science of mud dye.

Ideal for

This workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced textile artists, no previous experience of any sort required

People who appreciate textiles and fashion and also love the environment

Those who are passionate about creatively contributing to a sustainable planet

Anyone who loves their urban wilderness and the idea of exploring living colour from the local area

Materials provided

A sampling of recycled natural textiles and local ochre / mud to play with

Extra materials required to get you started (brushes, soy milk, alum etc)

Take home notes

What to Bring

Please wear closed-in shoes and old clothes or an apron for getting messy

Your own local ochres, dirt and clay to experiment with

A variety of light coloured natural fabric or garments. Plenty available at second hand stores. Old cotton sheets and t-shirts work perfectly!

A roll of paper towel and/or old fabric (to absorb excess dye)

Empty jars or containers with lids to mix your mud dye

Rags

Masking tape

A variety of different paintbrushes if you have them

Notebook, pen, camera or phone to record what you learn

Optional extras: stencils, stamps (plus flat container to fit stamps)

Facilitator

Alana Gregory is an environmental artist (www.alanagregory.com) and founder of Soul Strong Society (www.soulstrongsociety.com) an initiative created to facilitate human and environmental health through the practices of mindfulness, movement and creativity. Alana combines a background in environmental science with 20 years practice and study with traditional and Indigenous artists from around the world.